Warning Level Surf, Hilo Harbor Surges Expected Today
Alerts
A High Surf Warning is posted for northeast facing shores of the Big Island through 6 p.m. Wednesday. Wave heights are expected to rise to 20 to 30 foot faces along north shores and 15 to 20 feet for west shores.
A Marine Weather Statement is posted for the large north-northwest swell the is currently affecting the islands. Moderate harbor surges and large breaking waves are expected at harbor entrances open to this swell. That includes Kahului and Hilo harbors. Mariners should use extreme caution when entering or leaving port and when mooring or launching vessels.
A Small Craft Advisory is posted for all Big Island channels and windward waters through 6 p.m. Wednesday. Northeast winds up to 25 knots and hazardous seas up to about 12 feet are expected.
Check our breaking news section for any urgent weather alerts.
**Click directly on the images below to make them larger. Charts include: Big Island projected winds, tides, swell direction & period and expected wave heights.**
Big Island Surf Forecast
Hilo side: Wave heights are expected overhead to double overhead today. The best breaks open to the swell could get up to triple overhead.
Kona side: Wave heights waist/chest high are expected today. The best breaks could get shoulder high on the sets. Some north-northwest will filter in bringing waist high sets for spots open to the swell.
South: Wave heights are expected waist/chest/shoulder high today. Best breaks open to the swell could get a bit bigger on the sets.
A solid north-northwest swell from 335° to 355° is presently affecting northwest exposures. Tomorrow the swell will be biggest early in the day with a fading trend expected through the day.
Another more ‘westerly’ swell (295° to 315°) is expected on the heels of the current swell energy. This swell is forecast to quickly build Thursday and mix in with our current swell for head high to well overhead waves. This swell should peak Friday before slowly fading.
Our current south-southwest peaked Tuesday and has begun to gradually ease Wednesday. A new south-southwest fills in Thursday/Friday to keep wave heights around waist/chest high.
Next week another pulse of south-southwest is expected. Will keep an eye on it.
Keep in mind, surf heights are measured on the face of the wave from trough to crest. Heights vary from beach to beach, and at the same beach, from break to break.
**Click here for your detailed Big Island weather report.**
Image: NOAA / NWS
Image: NOAA / NWS
Image: NOAA / NWS
Image: NOAA / NWS
Image: NOAA / NWS
Image: NOAA / NWS
Image: NOAA / NWS
Image: NOAA / NWS
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